Iowa farm woman and humor speaker shares ideas at SDSU

April 18, 2008

BROOKINGS Ð Conservative talk show host Laura Schlessinger wrote a series of “Ten Stupid Things” books dealing with relationships. On April 24, a similar focus at SDSU will be on farm families when West Branch, Iowa, farm woman and professional speaker Jolene Brown presents a workshop on “The 10 Stupid Things People Do To Ruin Family Farms.” While Dr. Laura is known for being frank and blunt on her syndicated radio program, Brown described herself as a deliverer of “humor, hope and helpful ideas to the people of agriculture.” “Anyone who has heard her speak, says she is just amazing,” reported Holly Marshall, president of the Ag Prexy Council at South Dakota State University, which is bringing Brown to campus. The 7:30 p.m. workshop in Rotunda D is free and no advanced registration is required, Marshall said. Earlier at 6 p.m., also in Rotunda D, Brown's topic is “It's a Jungle Out There” speaking about students in the global workplace. Brown provides a mix between good entertainment and good information, Marshall said. “You won't just walk away feeling good. You will walk away with tools and feeling good. There will be handouts for everybody who comes,” the junior ag business major from Redfield said. Brown promises that the audience will laugh while it learns. The Iowa speaker describes herself as a 5-foot, 12-inch funster who is long-legged but not long-winded, and as a prolific gardener, warns people to “keep your doors locked during zucchini season.” But Brown also realizes family farming is a serious business and offers 10 ways operators can be their own worst enemies. She lists “10 stupid things people do to ruin family farms.” That happens when farm families 1. Assume all genetic relationships equal good working relationships; 2. Believe the farm can financially support any and all family members who want to farm; 3. Assume others will/should/must change and not me; 4. Presume a conversation is a contract; 5. Believe mind reading is an acceptable form of communication; 6. Fail to build communication skills and farm/family meeting tools when the times are good so they'll be in place to use when the times get tough; 7. Ignore the in-laws, off-farm family and employees; 8. Forget to use common courtesy; 9. Have no legal estate, management-transfer plan, or buy/sell agreement; and 10. Fail to celebrate. Marshall, the Ag Prexy Council president, said the workshop will be valuable for students as well as members of the public involved in agriculture and small business. The Prexy Council is comprised of all of the SDSU clubs that are ag related. Marshall serves on the executive council with Vice President Scott Larsen, a senior ag business/animal science double major from Viborg, and Secretary Michelle Monson a senior pre-vet major from Webster. Their advisor is Assistant Dean Tim Nichols. Co-sponsors for Brown's appearance at State are South Dakota Farm Bureau, the City of Brookings, and South Dakota Wheat Growers as well as the following SDSU groups - Agronomy Club, Alpha Zeta, the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, Collegiate 4-H, and Students' Association. For more information, contact Marshall at (605) 280-7724 or hollyjosue@hotmail.com.